As we approach Mother's Day, Sunday May 12; I think of some of my past Mother's Day newsletters. In one I observed the bonds of a new mother with her child. Another the utter joy of a grandmother. My nephew wrote a very special thank you to his mom and last year the achievements of a mom who didn't think she had any.

                This year Carole and I have  to think a little different about  our moms. You see, our mothers have moved from being the caregiver to needing a lot of care. Carole's mom lives with us and we deal everyday with uncertain health issues. My mom's mind is sometimes shrouded by the cloak of dementia that includes real engagement with her own mother, long ago gone.

                These challenges have changed the parameters of our relationships, although I believe in a very positive way. All the bindings of earlier years have been stripped away. What I believe is left is pure love. My one brother had a lot of difficulties with mom, particularly during his adolescence. He visits with mom several times a week even though nobody, including her, would know the difference.

                This Mother's Day I encourage all of you to think of that place where you and your mom are together, just for the reason of each other.

                Last month quite a few of our readers commented on the theme throughout our Sweet Treat offerings for April. I've been asked this month's theme? Gosh, another thing to consider. Loosely, this month's theme will be spring and moms. When I think of this time of year, I think of the return of the birds and building their nests. This month's cupcake will be a Robin's Nest complete with a light blue marzipan egg nestled in its "straw."

                One of our bakers saw notes from a long ago workshop, on a pastry; appropriately called "The Bird's Nest." This pastry is rolled up with a thick layer of almond cream with apples and cinnamon. Very tasty.

                I was a teenager when Granola first became popular. My brothers and I derisively called it "bird feed." This month we are introducing Reinwald's Bakery Granola. Our granola is not as sweet as what is commercially available. It has oats, wheat bran, coconut, almonds, sunflowers and sesame seeds, sunflower oil, and a touch of butter for flavor. It is just sweetened enough with a bit of honey and brown sugar. We will be making 3 varieties: plain, one with dried apricots, papaya, and raisins, and also, in my opinion the best, one with chocolate chips. Mind you these are not regular chocolate chips, but a 63% gourmet chocolate we use for making our candies. Even if you don't like granola, you'll like this. Chocolate, especially good chocolate, has that effect.

                The bakery has been asked quite a bit to bring back the Princess Torte. I figured what better a time to make this than Mother's Day month. This cake is outstanding. Don't let any of the individual flavors deter you, the combination has only gotten rave reviews.

                I hope to see many of you in the bakery next week for Mother's Day and perhaps for a special celebration cake for which we are famous.

Enjoy your days,